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Return to “Why did you get your CHL?”
- Tue Feb 14, 2012 11:04 pm
- Forum: General Texas CHL Discussion
- Topic: Why did you get your CHL?
- Replies: 73
- Views: 8370
Re: Why did you get your CHL?
I realize my story and following comments don't refer to the question. I think I got on a soap-box. Apologizes.
- Tue Feb 14, 2012 10:59 pm
- Forum: General Texas CHL Discussion
- Topic: Why did you get your CHL?
- Replies: 73
- Views: 8370
Re: Why did you get your CHL?
I got my CHL (in Oklahoma) because I wanted to be able to protect my wife and kids. I was raised around firearms and was comfortable with them and understood how they could affect my ability to defend the family.
Flash forward a couple of years after getting my license and it came full circle for me. I was at a convenience store and had to go inside to pay for my gas. As I went inside I saw a man and woman arguing over a little girl in the woman’s car. On my way back to my car after paying I realized that the little girl was now in the guy’s truck and the woman was forcing herself into the cab of the truck to keep the guy from leaving. I asked her if she wanted me to call the police and she said yes. I immediately started walking backwards away from them and dialing 911. Longer story shortened I firmly believe that because I had thought about situational awareness ahead of time, because I had thought about what parts of others’ situations I had to own, because I didn’t try to be a hero in a situation I didn’t fully understand, I was a part of seeing the little girl get back into the original car. I never had to draw my firearm because I had positioned myself well during the call. The guy and I walked circles around several cars I had put between us but he knew the clock was running and after cursing me a blue streak he left. I have a sneaking suspicion that if he had been in the right, he would have welcomed the call. The store manager had also called 911. Two notes: 1) When I asked the 911 operator to have the police hurry she told me that I had interjected myself into the fight. Gee thanks lady. What is the standard built-in delay used if a civilian tries to help? 2) The police didn’t show after five minutes. The tape had my info and full descriptions of all cars and participants. I left.
I got my CHL because I could and because it made sense. Taking that responsibility seriously has given me back 100 fold. I now live in TX. I really value all of the “what-ifs” and “never-agains” posted here. Our brains are our best defense.
Flash forward a couple of years after getting my license and it came full circle for me. I was at a convenience store and had to go inside to pay for my gas. As I went inside I saw a man and woman arguing over a little girl in the woman’s car. On my way back to my car after paying I realized that the little girl was now in the guy’s truck and the woman was forcing herself into the cab of the truck to keep the guy from leaving. I asked her if she wanted me to call the police and she said yes. I immediately started walking backwards away from them and dialing 911. Longer story shortened I firmly believe that because I had thought about situational awareness ahead of time, because I had thought about what parts of others’ situations I had to own, because I didn’t try to be a hero in a situation I didn’t fully understand, I was a part of seeing the little girl get back into the original car. I never had to draw my firearm because I had positioned myself well during the call. The guy and I walked circles around several cars I had put between us but he knew the clock was running and after cursing me a blue streak he left. I have a sneaking suspicion that if he had been in the right, he would have welcomed the call. The store manager had also called 911. Two notes: 1) When I asked the 911 operator to have the police hurry she told me that I had interjected myself into the fight. Gee thanks lady. What is the standard built-in delay used if a civilian tries to help? 2) The police didn’t show after five minutes. The tape had my info and full descriptions of all cars and participants. I left.
I got my CHL because I could and because it made sense. Taking that responsibility seriously has given me back 100 fold. I now live in TX. I really value all of the “what-ifs” and “never-agains” posted here. Our brains are our best defense.